The Best Value Fuji Camera for Photographers in 2024

In this video, I share the reasons why I believe that the X-T3 is Fujifilm's best value camera for photographers in 2024. Amid the chaos of new cameras like the X-H2, X-T5, and the X100VI, the X-T3 remains a strong contender for your dollar. It also holds up well against other brands such as Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Sony at its price point on the used market.
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00:00 Introduction
03:15 Pros
05:27 Cons
07:39 Who its best for
08:18 Current Prices
09:08 Who should consider X-T4
09:54 Conclusion

[@spcXmky]

One of the best cameras ever made. My trusted tool for 4 years. Own an X-S20 now

[@destin-danser]

Agreed. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@davidfromborneo259]

I had a choice between an xt3 or an xh1. Xh1 reduced by nearly 50% and battery pack with 3 batteries thrown in, no brainer, went for xh1. This was in 2018. Shutter release is soooooo silent, absolutely love it and film simulation bracketing too. Will not say goodbye it, I also have an xe 4 great for street photo' and also use film sim bracketing. That is why i like fujifilm

[@perryvalton3296]

Still rocking with my X-T3 solid camera all round.

[@destin-danser]

It really is! Thanks for watching.

[@palamj2]

Most definitely the x-pro2 and X-t3 was the height of the Fuji build quality. After that the x series cameras began to lose their know build quality. I’m glad that I’m not the only person who thinks that.

[@EricMoore790]

I randomly bought an XT4 awhile back and I love it! I got it for the 240 FPS and I started photography and like doing that rather than video.

[@destin-danser]

That’s funny, because Fuji did the exact opposite to me. I shot Nikon for a long time and was 100% still images only, and Fuji has pushed my transition into hybrid/video shooting - especially since I got the X-H2.

[@danneukirch4486]

Great video, with well thought out points. I'm trying to buy an XT3 but getting a decent price is a bit tricky in Aus. I think XT5s always being sold out isn't helping. I bought an XT2 a few months ago to test out the Fuji system. I like it so much I'm selling off my Nikon gear (d810 too). Anyway, I have one big issue with my XT2 which is the main reason I want an XT3, in the hope it solves it... The problem is the hot pixels at anything near 1 sec shutter speed or slower. I've tried the noise reduction feature (I think that's what its called?), which helps a bit with the JPG. So - as you shoot astro and landscape (where long shutter speeds are common) - how is the XT3 in this regard? I've searched google and asked on facebook groups and cannot find anything concrete RE XT2 or XT3 and hot pixels noise. Maybe I just have a bad XT2 (it's otherwise perfect)? Thanks!

[@williamchan8866]

The xt-3 is absolutely the best value for a pro body…..I got 3 so it’s really nice to shoot in cold weather, with battery packs and my 3 most used lens mounted.

[@destin-danser]

Glad to hear you’re also enjoying it! I always planned to get another one, but I ended up picking up an X-H2 that I’m really enjoying. It was definitely more of a want than a need though, the X-T3 did everything I needed and still does.

[@ThanhNguyen-sk6uc]

I was torn between the H2 and Xt5, but I went with the xt5 instead. So Far it's been such an amazing experience

[@destin-danser]

Glad you’re enjoying it! Racing the same decision I picked up an x-h2 and I’m loving it. I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.

[@YannickKhong]

Well done video on the X-T3 :) I own this camera for personal life photography when not using my Nikon D5 and feel like I want to be burried with it haha

[@destin-danser]

Thanks! And I agree, even if I do miss my old D810 sometimes.

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

As much as the X-T3 is *indeed* a good value, I do think that the *best* value resides in the X-T2. bsaically the same body (minus the useless touch screen which is laggy on the X-T3 anyway), same weather sealing, sensor that outputs basically the same quality (if anything it's a little better than teh X-T3's at high ISO), still has very good autofocus (fixed through firmware sure, but not like buyers will care today), decent video (i've used this in paid video shoots no problem) and is a good 300 bucks cheaper than the X-T3. The X-T3 is the absolute upgrade for videographers, the amount of feathres it has for tat is absolutely astounding. But for photographers? I fail to see how the X-T3 is a significant upgrade... except maybe for electronic burst speeds but at this point if I need those I'm not using an X-T3 to get them.

[@destin-danser]

I think this is a reasonable take. The thing that kept me from loving my X-T2 was just that general user interface felt more laggy than my X-T3, and I never felt the autofocus was quite as reliable. That being said, I had the X-T3 first and only got the X-T2 as a backup. Had I gotten my hands on the X-T2 first, my opinions may well be different.

[@palamj2]

Yeah I miss my X-T2. It was a work horse.

[@krishnayalla676]

Fully agree, miss my xt3 since it got stolen :(

[@destin-danser]

That’s no good! Hope you can get another one soon!

[@stevenbamford5245]

It's the ibis or lack of that holds me back from a pair of X-T3s for my concert and event work. Economically they make sense, but I might have to go for the X-T5 although in that case it's lack of battery grip and more expense.

[@destin-danser]

Honestly, I've never been that big of a believer that IBIS is all that important to still photography. I haven't shot a concert in years, but when I did my shutter speed always needed to be fast enough that IBIS wouldn't have really been a factor anyway. I've got an X-H2 and I use the IBIS all the time for video, but I can't recall a single time that its actually made a difference to my still photography - most of the time I have a moving subject so I need a high shutter speed anyway, and on the rare occasion that I can drop my shutter speed, I'm more than happy to use a tripod. Maybe consider the X-H1 if IBIS is a requirement for your use? I hear it's a phenomenal camera, and it's pretty cheap these days.

[@daveboyle5751]

Best value for money in 2024 is the XH-1, Fuji's strongest and most robust and reliable body and with all the firmware updates after it's release is on par with the XT-3, it's also the best high ISO low noise X body to date. The battery is the only downside, if only a 3rd party manufacturer would make a battery grip to take the new batteries.

[@destin-danser]

Yeah, I think that's a reasonable take as well. I've never used an X-H1, so didn't feel comfortable making a video about it, but it would definitely be on my short list for best value. I'd love to try one out sometime.

[@daveboyle5751]

@@destin-danser Mines done over 600,000 images, been in -15 deg C and 43 deg C, been hit by a cricket ball and still refuse to die,

[@AnoshterHaar]

Meh. For photography maybe. For video it lacks some important features. Sure the ibis is a deal breaker for some people. But only 8bit with 200mbps... no 4k 60p... If you use ois lenses the x-t3 just has more to offer for video making. Which makes it a better allround package imo. Sure nice your footage is stable'ish. But a stable shot that doesn't grade well and can't be slowed down really isn't all that usefull...

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

@@AnoshterHaar I don't think people realize how good the X-T2 and X-H1 were for video work. People focus on 4K60 and 10bit colors, but though those are nice to have they are absolutely not required. The X-H1/T2 has F-Log which was made for 8bit footage anyway, you can still grade, and you still get a very usable dynamic range. I've used an X-H1 for pro video production and never had any issues. We've used 8bit Log footage for YEARS in the industry but suddenly when 10bit cameras are available everybody forgot that you can also grade 8bit Log?

[@AnoshterHaar]

@@matthieuzglurg6015 sure 8bit is usable. Be it with some harsh limitations. You have to nail a lot more things on set as you just can't correct as much in post. That is just a fact. 60fps shooting has a lot of upsides, especially for professional use. So imo a major benefit. I am not saying at all that the x-h1 isn't usable for video. I only think it is not the best bang for your buck camera right now. It lacks some of the more future proof features like bitrates, bitdepth and fps. The x-t3 just is a more user friendly package as it delivers very decent specs for 2024 both on the photo AND video side. It allowes you to grow more than the x-h1 does due to the hard limits that are present.

[@techshakalaka]

Thank you for the video. What lens did you use for the video?

[@destin-danser]

You’re welcome! The main talking head footage is shot wide open on the Fuji 18mm 1.4, and if I recall correctly, the fighter shots are on a mix of the Fuji 33mm 1.4 and the 55-200.

[@jackschade9320]

I use the xt1 with the 23mm f2. love it

[@mnicaisse]

I still use my X-T3. I have 2 of them . I think you missed a good point regarding battery . I purchased a USB C battery bank my battery last all day on a single battery. Excellent solution to the poor battery life. I’m loving my X-T3 coupled with X-H2.

[@destin-danser]

That’s actually a great idea, but I never thought of using it that way. I have a PD battery bank that I use on occasion to power the X-T3 when I’m shooting star trails or time lapses where it would otherwise die.

[@jojoaugustus1383]

I bought the XT20 second hand about a month ago, and I'm really happy with it. Although I initially wanted the X100T/F 😂

[@destin-danser]

I had an X-T20 as my first Fuji camera back when it came out! Excellent little camera, but ultimately I prefer a slightly larger body and more dedicated external controls that come with the X-T3/4/5 line. Definitely more versatile than an X100 series camera, good choice!

[@jojoaugustus1383]

@@destin-danser haha my choice was also driven by my wallet 🤣 Might take the XT5 next time I change :) Thanks for the answer :)

[@HanzsKlopek]

Nice video. Looking for that particular model right now. Can someone recommend a good 50mm to pair with it without breaking the bank please ?

[@destin-danser]

Thanks! The 50mm f/2 from Fuji is an incredible lens. If you want 50mm full frame equivalent, the 35 f/2 will get you that. Both are very good lenses at a reasonable price.

[@gregriley3060]

You mentioned the absence of IBIS amost as an afterthought. Compared to later models, no IBIS is a significant drawback. You can carry around extra batteries - no big deal -, but you can't install IBIS (though, I concede, optical stabilization is available with some lenses).

[@destin-danser]

I’m working on a video currently to explain my thoughts on this in detail, but my general opinion is that IBIS is really only important for those who shoot handheld video. When it comes to photography, IBIS is only useful in a very small range of shutter speeds - too slow and it’s useless, too fast and you don’t need it. Furthermore, because it only helps with camera shake, it’s generally only useful in situations where nothing in the frame is moving, which is a pretty small subset of photos. Also, modern ISO performance is so good that I’m not fighting to keep iso levels super low anymore, so I rarely need slow shutter speeds unless I want them for creative reasons - in which case I’d use a tripod anyway. I guess if you routinely photograph scenes where nothing is moving, at shutter speeds between ~2 seconds and 1/focal length, and you just absolutely don’t want to use a tripod - then you can say that IBIS is important to your still photography. As a landscape photographer: I will always use a tripod. As a wedding, portrait, event, and sports photographer: I’ll never accept a shutter speed slow enough to worry about camera shake in the first place.

[@tonyjones99]

I have the XT-3, a fantastic camera.

[@destin-danser]

Absolutely! I love mine, and don’t see myself getting rid of it anytime soon.

[@jimbimedia]

What do you mean “was”? I have mine. Great camera, but I am going to trade up this month. I use the battery grip so I could shoot all day in most cases. It is also good to balance the bigger telephoto lenses.l

[@destin-danser]

I don’t recall saying “was.” The X-T3 is still an excellent value, which was the point of the video. I had the battery grip for mine, but rarely used it, so I sold it a couple years ago.

[@jim_bocho]

One downside of the X-T3 (and ich think the X-T30 as well) is, that although it's X-Trans 4, it can't store WB for the individual image settings. As a mostly jpeg guy, that annoyed me a bit.

[@destin-danser]

Fair point! Not something I’ve ever considered, but I could see how this would be an issue, especially if you’re into film sim recipes.

[@jim_bocho]

@@destin-danser If you shoot only raw, it’s not an issue at all of course.

[@emilioqlozano2318]

As an owner of butch xt3 and xt4 I agree theirs something about the build of the 3 that feels more better then the xt4

[@destin-danser]

Yeah, when I was deciding between the X-T5 and the X-H2 for my next camera, the cheap feel of the X-T5 is what pushed me to the X-H2.

[@Kyo-uy9qr]

Nice video bro !!! Please make a review of my X-H2S too 😢

[@destin-danser]

I don’t have an X-H2s to review, but I plan to review my X-H2 once I’ve had it for a little longer.

[@mathewanaya2757]

Hey Destin I appreciate the vid! I'm in a little bit of a weird situation. Pretty beginner into photography, had a Canon m50 Mark II for a couple years, just sold. Basically I've been saving up to go for a camera + lenses to last me a good amount, as I want to really get into photography much, much more. So I saved up about $1500, did my research, etc. And found a crazy deal in my area that I jumped on. X-T3 (low shutter), X-T30ii (medium use), 18-55 kit, 35mm f2, 50-230 telephoto, and a TTArtisans AF 35mm f1.8, all for $1700! Now I just don't know which to keep. I'm over my budget, but know if I sell one of the two bodies I can recoup a great amount back. Now what would be the future proof choice? The newer processor, more film sims, smaller size, straight out of camera jpgs in the X-T30ii? Or should I stick with the tried and true X-T3. I do not need WR, I live in a great climate no rain, dust, etc. I shoot about 70% photography 30% video, but the X-T3's 4k 60 is intriguing, but so is the XT30ii's slow mo 240 fps, but at the same time having both in hand, the smaller X-T30 I would practically bring everywhere with me. I shoot street, travel, cityscape, and I was the photographer for my little brother's baseball team with my M50 Mark II, which had awesome AF. I'd hope either of the 2 cameras can keep up, but honestly I am divided completely down the middle on which to go for. Any help would be great, thanks!

[@destin-danser]

Hey there, sounds like you got a killer deal! I think that if I was in your shoes, I’d probably choose the X-T3. I would always choose a slightly older professional body over a newer consumer/prosumer body, because having dedicated buttons/controls for most things is important to me. To me, nothing takes me out of the moment when shooting like having to dive into a menu to change a setting. I had an x-t20 years ago and sold it because of this. I also prefer the feel of the slightly larger x-t3 in my hand, and I think that with time, you’d also be willing to take it everywhere with you.. it’s still a very small camera. The dual card slots also make it much less likely that you’ll ever lose photos to card failure. Of course, the newer film sims on the x-t30ii are compelling if that’s what drew you to Fuji in the first place, but if you go with the x-t3 there are still plenty of custom film recipes you can create. Tough decision, good luck!

[@matt88169]

If you scale the images to match appropriately, the 40mp sensor generally looks better to me than any other Fuji sensor at high ISOs up to around 3200. That said, I don’t like the inferior sensor readout, larger file size, and slower ES burst rate vs. the XT3. I think the XH2 shouldn’t exist-all that hardware and build quality should have gone into the XT5. As an all-around pro-grade camera that can also do sports, I think the XT3/4 are still unmatched. I’ll be keeping my gripped XT3 until it dies, probably.

[@destin-danser]

While I absolutely love my X-H2, I tend to agree with you that it didn't strictly need to exist between the X-T5 and the X-H2s. In think Fuji is trying to capture a portion of the market here by offering both types of control layout on their 40mp sensor. I haven't done an in depth comparison between the X-T3 and X-H2 for high iso, but I definitely don't notice a massive improvement in the new sensor and I've always been happy with the X-T3 in this regard. Like I said, I'm no pixel peeper. I'm a massive fan of my X-H2 and plan to get a second one so that I'm not switching back and forth between different control layouts for dual camera event work. Even still, my X-T3 isn't going anywhere and will have a place in my life for the foreseeable future.

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

Im surprisingly keep surprised at quality and now on LIGHTROOM denoiser Crazy good

[@destin-danser]

It is very good! And the new AI denoise in Lightroom is amazing!

[@kevincooper8666]

The xt4 is rock solid build quality but the rest I agree with you

[@destin-danser]

I’ve not used an x-t4, but I’d love to give one a go sometime! Thanks for watching!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

the great thing about fuji ....it doesn't matter which camera you use you will actually get fairly similar results .....its the fuji way!! if I had to pick one he tiny X-S10 is dam fine camera. IBIS and it rocks for video too. I own the XT5 and GFX 50s ii

[@destin-danser]

Totally agreed! I love that Fuji generally puts the same sensors in their entry level stuff as their flagship bodies. Everyone can get the image quality they want with the ergonomics of their choice.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@destin-danser I came from Nikon and haven't regretted it. I sell images, teach photography and many students borrow my X-s10 during lessons and go wow 👌.

[@destin-danser]

@nevvanclarke9225 as did I. I miss the ergonomics of my D810/D500, but I’m completely happy with the image quality of my Fuji gear. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@KushagrrGupta-mc4so]

can you please choose a camera nikon xfc and fujifilm XT 30 II

[@destin-danser]

I haven’t used either of them, but I’d be partial toward the Fuji because it has more options available for high quality crop sensor specific lenses.

[@KushagrrGupta-mc4so]

Thank you for replying but accessories and lenses of fujifilm's are somewhat on higher side but accessories and lenses of canon is more on reasonable side and comparing canon R50 and fujifilms camera there is nothing much differentiable but fujifilm's has just its highly beautiful jpgs and its color correction pls suggest 😊

[@destin-danser]

@@KushagrrGupta-mc4so there are no bad cameras on the market anymore, whatever you choose will take beautiful photos and make you happy.

[@KushagrrGupta-mc4so]

@@destin-danser i am just a beginner planning to purchase a camera now i have less things to study on thank you for clearing my doubt

[@destin-danser]

@KushagrrGupta-mc4so you’re welcome!

[@timelinestudioangamaly]

have you experienced freezing when using XT3 ? my biggest fear is the chances of freezing XT3 & XH1 on shoot

[@destin-danser]

Early on I had that issue a handful of times, and had to pull the battery to resolve it. Hasn’t happened in the last 3 years or so, so I suspect that it was resolved in a firmware update. Every time it happened I was able to resolve it within 10-15 seconds by pulling the battery.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

3:30 Xt4 uses same sensor and processor. Whats new is a flippy screen and film sims

[@destin-danser]

My bad, you’re correct that the processor is the same between them. The biggest difference though, is the battery.

[@AboveInShadow]

Most photography enthusiast buyers will go for a camera with IBIS because nobody wanna carry a tripod these days and they also wanna shoot video. That's why M43 cameras are so appealing (IBIS, small size and cheaper lenses).

[@destin-danser]

There is a reason I said that the X-T3 is the best value for photographers. Hybrid and video shooters will definitely want IBIS, no question. IBIS is extremely overrated for most genres still photography though, since most photography genres have moving subjects that will blur at those low shutter speeds anyway, and high iso performance is so good today that shutter speeds that low are rarely needed. Genres of photography where slow shutter speeds are required, like landscapes, will still require a tripod, because IBIS can’t get you slow enough. Someone who shoots mostly or exclusively still photos can 100% get by without IBIS, and the only reason people believe otherwise is because camera companies have great marketing departments.

[@AboveInShadow]

@@destin-danser I mostly shoot stills and IBIS makes a big difference, specially in low light conditions paired with a fast lens. I'll take an M43 with IBIS any day just because the X-T4 + lenses is an expensive hobby for most enthusiasts.

[@destin-danser]

Perfect. If it works for you, you should use it. There are no one-size fits all solutions.

[@Barrystudd]

I prefer my XT2

[@destin-danser]

If it's working for you, no reason to upgrade! The X-T2 is an excellent camera. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@litehour]

The only downside is the lack of classic negative simulation for me

[@destin-danser]

Agreed, that’s disappointing for sure. But I think there are plenty of people who won’t care or know what they’re missing out on.

[@HR-wd6cw]

I'd personally say the XT30 is perhaps the better value. It has the same sensor and processor as the XT3 but a bit cheaper. An even better value would be a used XT20 which you can find for about $500 used in good shape, and the resolution and sensor changes were not that major between the XT20 and XT30. Yes it has the improved sensor design and a bit more MPs but the XT20 could be had for less than a even an XT30 (by a few hundred dollars). The XT3 is good, but I don't think it really was that big of an upgrade, unlike the XT4 which had IBIS among other things. But as far as features and functions, the XT20/XT30 has most of the same featurs and function as the bigger siblings (the XT2/XT3). It's when you get to the XT4 where the higher-end XT series probably is the better value perhaps.

[@destin-danser]

Hey there! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I love hearing different points of view. If your only concern is image quality, then I’d agree that those cameras may be a better value. Personally though, I’d take even an X-T1 or X-T2 over an X-T30. For me, having a full professional set of dedicated external controls for most functions is non-negotiable. Weather sealing is also extremely important to me, which rules them out. My first Fuji camera ever was actually an X-T20, and I absolutely despised that thing for anything above casual snapshots because I had to menu dive to change a bunch of settings that I was accustomed to having dedicated buttons for. I’m also one of the rare few who honestly doesn’t think that IBIS is that important for photography - the vast majority of photo subjects don’t hold still enough for shutter speeds slow enough to need it, and if you go too slow, you still need a tripod anyway. IBIS really only becomes important to me for video, which is why I recommended that video shooters step up to the X-T4.

[@kevinruston3285]

Best value fuji film camera ? The XT2 , its a photographer's camera, not made for people who like filming themselves. Think it was one of the last fuji camera to be made in Japan. The rest are assembled in China, thats why there's quality issues. The XT2 is as solid as a wood burning stove, I love mine I've never used the video mode so can't comment on that , the picture quality is excellent the jpegs straight out of camera are excellent. Battery life could be better but extra third party batteries in your pocket sort that problem out .

[@destin-danser]

I had an XT-2 for a year as a backup, and compared to my X-T3 I just found it’s user interface and autofocus to be slow and laggy. But by that point I’d already been using my X-T3 for 3-4 years. If I’d picked up the X-T2 first it may have given me a different impression.

[@TheFujiZone]

XT4 if you also shoot videos.. 😊

[@destin-danser]

Totally agreed, video/hybrid shooters are better off with the X-T4. I’ve got an X-H2 for video, so the X-T3 is my dedicated stills camera.

[@11duarteg]

you have to show more images!

[@destin-danser]

Thanks for the feedback! I’m very much still learning and will work on that!

[@Skaterman2413]

*totally unbiased* - autofocus is improved in newer gens, in photos and videos. "consistently reliable results" out of camera right after explaining autofocus inconsistencies lmao

[@destin-danser]

Well yeah, it had better be. But the autofocus in the x-t3 is more than adequate for professional photographers who want a camera that keeps their overhead costs down, or for an enthusiast on a budget. Nobody needs better autofocus than this for photos, it’s just nice to have and can make your life a little easier. If you’re chasing the latest and greatest, you aren’t the target market for this video 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jakubstrumillo]

X-H1 is best value camera from Fuji right now. Not X-T3.

[@destin-danser]

I think they’re relatively equal, and it depends on your exact use case as well as which body style you happen to prefer. What is it that would make you choose the X-H1?

[@akanbilincoln1307]

Go back and do your test well. The majority of people out there will tell you it's xt3; in terms of photo quality and excellent video quality 4k 60p dci at 400 mega bite per seconds.